Pre_ECNL for 11U & 12U

About the Pre-ECNL Program at CSA

The Pre-ECNL program at CSA is designed for the elite 11U and 12U boys and girls within the Charlotte area who have the talent, a strong desire and commitment to reach the highest levels of play. The Pre-ECNL pathway helps prepare our players to go on to compete in the CSA National programs by providing a higher level and greater frequency of practices. The games program consists of league games, tournaments, festivals and friendlies to provide a variety of different scenarios for players to experience and facilitate their learning. We have a big focus on the individual player within this age group with individualized training and learning plans as well as futsal training and games being an important component of the program. The futsal aspect of the program is delivered during the winter months with training sessions and tournaments as we look to continue to develop the players ability to play in tight spaces, deal with pressure, improve their ball mastery and creative skills.

Boys Pre-ECNL teams form at the Charlotte, North/Huntersville and Matthews/Uptown sections. Most teams participate in the Carolina Development League, which was formed by North Carolina clubs to ensure consistent and high-level competition that will prepare the players to move on to national level programs at the U13 age group. Read more about the Carolina Development League here. Teams also participate in nationally-recognized tournaments throughout the season.

Girls Pre-ECNL teams will participate in the highest division of the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association Classic League and may compete in and older age group or in the boys' divisions if developmentally appropriate. Competing against boys in league play to help improve speed of play and decision-making was instrumental in the players growth during the 2020-21 season. Teams participate in nationally-recognized tournaments throughout the season.

“We have a big focus on ball mastery and individual technique at this age group so the players can become really comfortable with the ball. We then develop that into skills that can be applied into game situations, and help players problem solve and become good decision makers. The players get to play in multiple positions, allowing them to experience the whole game at a young age and improve their tactical understanding off different roles and responsibilities. Our curriculum has a strong emphasis on developing the attacking side of the game and being dominant in possession. The boys program has been running since 2016 and has always proved to be the best in the Charlotte area and one of the strongest in the region. We were really excited at launching the girls Pre-ECNL program 12 months ago and so impressed with the progress they made, how hard they competed and the success they had when playing against boys. The girls implemented our style of play and philosophy and played the game in a really attractive and attack-orientated manner. We look forward to the 2021-22 season as we continue to push our players towards the highest levels of the game”.

If you are interested in your son or daughter being part of this elite program, please reach out to Pre-ECNL Director, Ben Cook – [email protected]

Pre-ECNL Program Staff

CSA is pleased to announce the staff assignments for the 11U and 12U Pre-ECNL Teams for the 2022-2023 Season:

Pre-ECNL Program Director Ben Cook CLICK TO EMAIL

Team Name	Coach Team 1	Coach Team 2
(11U) Pre-ECNL Charlotte Girls	Jen Woody	Joe Distaffen
(12U) Pre-ECNL Charlotte Girls	Stephano Williams	otavio Norberto

(11U) Pre-ECNL Charlotte Boys	Ben Cook	Jim Finnerty
(12U) Pre-ECNL Charlotte Boys	Ben Cook	Jim Finnerty

(11U) Pre-ECNL Uptown/Matthews Boys	Andy Guevara
(12U) Pre-ECNL Uptown/Matthews Boys	Prince Ojok

(11U) Pre-ECNL North/H'ville Boys	Russell Steedman
(12U) Pre-ECNL North/H'ville Boys	Ken Dugan

2020-2021 Season Accomplishments

2020-21 Season Pre-ECNL Accomplishments –

Girls –

CSA Charlotte Invitational – Champions U11 Top Bracket - CSA U11 ELITE 1 G
CSA Charlotte Invitational – Champions U12 Top Bracket - CSA U12 ELITE 1 G
CSA Puma Kings Cup – Champions U12 Top bracket - CSA U11 ELITE 1 G
Queen City Futsal Challenge – Champions U11 Top bracket - CSA U11 ELITE 1 G
Concorde Fire Challenge Cup – Champions U11 Top Bracket - CSA U11 ELITE 1 G
Concorde Fire Challenge Cup – Champions U11 2nd Bracket - CSA U11 ELITE 2 G
Commscope Cup – Champions U12 Bracket - CSA U11 ELITE 2 G
Kepner (NC) USYS Presidents Cup – U13 Bracket - CSA U12 ELITE 1 G – Finalists
USYS Presidents Cup South Region Championships - U13 Bracket - CSA U12 ELITE 1 G - Champions
USYS Presidents Cup National Championships - U13 Bracket - CSA U12 ELITE 1 G - 3rd Place finish

Boys -
10 invites and 7 players currently in the Charlotte FC Discovery program who have come through the CSA Pre-ECNL program.
6 players on one of the Charlotte FC Academy teams who came through the CSA Pre-ECNL program.
2 players on one of the Atlanta United Academy teams who came through the CSA Pre-ECNL program.

CSA Charlotte Invitational
Champions top bracket - 09 CSA PRE ECNL SOUTH BLUE
Champions 2nd bracket - 09 CSA PRE ECNL SOUTH WHITE
NCFC Junior Showcase
Champions top bracket - 09 CSA PRE ECNL SOUTH BLUE
Champions 2nd bracket - 09 CSA PRE ECNL NORTH
Champions 3rd bracket - 09 CSA PRE ECNL SOUTH WHITE
JACKSONVILLE F.C Invitational
Champions 3rd bracket - 09 CSA PRE ECNL SOUTH WHITE
Queen City Futsal Challenge
Champions U10/11 Bracket - 10 CSA Pre ECNL SOUTH Grey,
Champions U11 Bracket - 10 CSA Pre ECNL SOUTHWhite
NC Fusion Southern Showcase
Champions top bracket - CSA 10 PRE ECNL SOUTH BLUE
Champions 3rd bracket - CSA 10 PRE ECNL UPTOWN/MATTHEWS
Champions top bracket - CSA 09 PRE ECNL SOUTH BLUE
Champions 2nd bracket - CSA 09 PRE ECNL SOUTH WHITE
Champions 3rd bracket - CSA 09 PRE ECNL UPTOWN/MATTHEWS
Coast F.A Spring Classic
Champions top bracket - 09 CSA PRE ECNL NORTH

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Charlotte Soccer Academy
13333 Dorman Road
Pineville, North Carolina 28134
Email Us: [email protected]